What is the recommended follow-up period after starting a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI)?

The recommended follow-up period after starting a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) is typically around 2 weeks. This timeframe is crucial because it allows clinicians to monitor the patient for any side effects that may arise from the initiation of treatment and to evaluate the initial response to the medication.

It is important to give SSRIs sufficient time to exert their effects, as most patients may not begin to feel the therapeutic benefits until they have been on the medication for at least this period. After 2 weeks, healthcare professionals can assess the patient’s response and any tolerability issues, enabling them to make informed decisions about continuing, adjusting, or changing the medication as necessary.

Following this initial follow-up, additional assessments can be scheduled based on the patient’s response and treatment goals but 2 weeks serves as a standard guideline for initial evaluation.